Unlike motor cover, home insurance is not a legal requirement in the UK. It is, however, a vital precaution against unforeseen bills caused by incidents such as natural disasters or break-ins. It is a false economy to avoid home insurance premiums in order to save cash in the short-term because in case of misfortune you will be left without a leg to stand on and could be faced with some of the heftiest bills you will ever come across in your life. Whether you own your house / home outright or are still paying off your mortgage, the house you own probably represents the biggest investment in your life and one of the most important factors in maintaining your well-being. Everyone wants a roof over their head to have peace of mind free from worries about their house!

If you have a mortgage then your lender will usually insist that your property is covered by full buildings insurance. This is to protect themselves, as if your house were completely destroyed they would need to know that you had the means to finance its repair. Also, a homeless borrower will hardly inspire confidence in a company expecting regular mortgage repayments.

Sometimes people assume that they have to stick with the insurance that they have taken out with their mortgage provider. Unless you took advantage of a special mortgage deal where you agreed to buy their home insurance then you are free to use independent insurers for your house protection. You might be encouraged to take out cover through your mortgage broker, as it is simpler for them. However, you are not obliged to do this by law, so it is well worth looking around for the best deal for your needs and making sure that you obtain the right cover at the right price.